The Police Inspectorate of Kosovo by order of the Special Prosecution is carrying out today the operation codenamed "Point 2" that has started in the early morning hours in Prizren, respectively at the border crossing point in Vërmicë.

Today's operation was preceded by an investigation of about a year with the suspicion of involvement in illegal activities of a number of police officers related to the criminal offenses of "taking bribes" and "abuse of official position or authority".

PIK investigators months ago received information through operational channels regarding the suspicions of involvement in illegal activities of some police officers employed in the Regional Border Directorate "West" in Gjakova, respectively the border crossing point in Vermica.

With the authorization of the Special Prosecution within this investigation by the PIK investigators are included the secret and technical measures of observation and investigation as well as the necessary measures to discover and preserve the traces and other evidence of criminal offenses and items which can serve as evidence which can be used in criminal proceedings.

Based on these successful investigative actions, PIK within the operation "Point 2" has arrested today 26 police officers (including two police sergeants and 24 police officers), all suspected of criminal offenses "abuse of official duty or authority" "Taking bribes."

From the implementation of investigative actions by PIK investigators there is a reasonable suspicion that the arrested in this case are involved in criminal activities of the criminal offense of "taking bribes" and "abuse of official duty or authority."

As part of the administrative procedures, the PIK also provided the recommendation for suspension from work duties for the already arrested officials.

The investigation has also included the cooperation with SPAK (Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime of the Republic of Albania) Police Oversight Agency - AMP (counterpart agency of PIK in Albania) which has resulted in the arrest of several suspects in the Republic of Albania.

PIK investigators will continue to undertake other investigative actions in this case in coordination with the Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo.